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Edinburgh Zoo 100th Anniversary: 100 Years, 100 Prizes (22 July 2013)

Here’s a fact that few people are likely to know - this July it will be 100 years since Edinburgh Zoo opened its gates to the public. To celebrate this fabulous occasion, the zoo has some extra treats in store for its visitors. On 22nd July, the zoo will be giving away 100 special prizes to some of the lucky visitors. Will you be the lucky person who wins a panda experience worth £1000? Other prizes include keeper experiences and various items from the gift shop.

The zoo itself has undergone many changes during its 100 years of activity. During its early days for example, elephant rides were a common occurrence. Today, visitors are able to view more than 1000 animals in enclosures that closely resemble their natural habitats.

One of the zoo’s earliest claims to fame concerns its penguins. It was the first place in the world where penguins were actually housed and bred. The zoo now houses a variety of penguin breeds, from the Kings to the Rockhoppers. Since its beginning in the early 1950’s, the daily penguin parade has proved to be a visitor favourite. The parade allows the public to get up close and personal with the penguins, while also giving the penguins an opportunity to show-off.

A hotly talked about addition to the zoo in recent years has been the Giant Pandas – Tian Tian (female) and Yang Guang (male). The two pandas arrived at the zoo in January 2011, and since then tens of thousands of people have popped in to say ‘hi’ to Tian Tian and Yang Guang. Edinburgh zoo is currently the only place in the UK where Giant Pandas are housed.

Visit the zoo on Monday 22nd July, and getting to see the UK’s only Giant Pandas might not be the only prize you walk away with!